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Using P205/50R16 tires on my 2009 Prius Touring?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ashleyjoh, Sep 11, 2012.

  1. ashleyjoh

    ashleyjoh New Member

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    I just bought a 2009 Prius Touring, and I'm wondering if I will have to replace my winter studded tires. I have a year old set of studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 that are sized 205/50R16 and I would love to not to have to buy a new set (about $600). I know that the size of the OEM tires are 195/55r16 -- is this close enough??

    I don't want to do something that will damage my car obviously, but if the consequences are pretty minor (less mpg, speedometer a little bit off, etc.) I'd love to hang on to these tires. The alternative is that I buy the same brand at the correct size for another $600 or so. Any thoughts?
     
    #1 ashleyjoh, Sep 11, 2012
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Code:
    Stock Tire - 195/55R16        Search Tires    Tire 1 - 205/50R16        Search Tires
Section Width:    7.67 in    195 mm   Section Width:    8.07 in    205 mm
Rim Diameter:    16 in    406.4 mm  Rim Diameter:    16 in    406.4 mm
Rim Width Range:    5.5 - 7 in           Rim Width Range:    5.5 - 7.5 in
Overall Diameter:    24.44 in    620.77 mm   Overall Diameter:    24.07 in    611.37 mm
Sidewall Height:    4.22 in    107.18 mm  Sidewall Height:    4.03 in    102.36 mm
Radius:    12.22 in    310.38 mm       Radius:    12.03 in    305.56 mm
Circumference:    76.78 in    1950.2 mm    Circumference:    75.61 in    1920.4 mm
Revs per Mile:    851.0                        Revs per Mile:    864.1
Actual Speed:    60 mph    100 km/h    Speedometer1:    60.9 mph    101. km/h
Speedometer Difference: -    Speedometer Difference: 1.539% too fast
Diameter Difference: -    Diameter Difference: 1.52%
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Sep 11, 2012
  3. ashleyjoh

    ashleyjoh New Member

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    I have seen something like this while doing some google research - but how much difference will it really make? I'm not concerned about the speedometer being a little off in the winter :)
     
    #3 ashleyjoh, Sep 12, 2012
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Close enough. They will fit but the car will hit a little harder on bumps if you have it inflated higher than usual.
    And the car will be a little lower and bigger wheel well around tire. I would use them for the winter.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Sep 12, 2012
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    I run 205/55/16 tyres on my UK Prius 16 inch being the standard rim size for all gen2 Prius in the UK/EU. This size is larger in circumference than the OEM and gives no problems at all. The 205/50/16 should be a very close match on turns per mile (TPM) as the OEM 195/55/16 tyres on your touring version. There are no clearance problems and your speedo and odd will not be affected enough to be noticed. Road manners are greatly improved going to 205's however you may take a slight hit with MPG but that is to be expected with studded tyres.

    John.
     
    #5 Britprius, Sep 14, 2012
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